US Brings Hate Crime Charges Against Suspect in Killing of Israeli Embassy Staffers

Source: US News

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. on Wednesday brought federal hate crime charges against the suspect accused of gunning down two Israeli embassy staffers outside a museum in Washington in May, alleging he targeted them because they were Israelis, court papers showed.

The nine-count indictment returned against Elias Rodriguez, 31, accuses him of carrying out a hate crime resulting in death motivated by the "actual and perceived national origin of any person." Rodriguez also faces charges of first-degree murder and murder of a foreign official. The indictment also includes special findings that would make Rodriguez eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Rodriguez was accused of fatally shooting Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, who were about to be engaged to be married. They were leaving a May 21 event for young professionals and diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum and hosted by the American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group that fights antisemitism and supports Israel, when they were killed.

Rodriguez told police at the scene: “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza,” according to a criminal complaint. Witnesses recounted hearing him chant "Free Palestine" after he was taken into custody.


Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-08-06/us-brings-hate-crime-charges-against-suspect-in-killing-of-israeli-embassy-staffers